Six Degrees Of Separation By John Guare: Analysis

Rafia Islam Six Degrees of Separation by John Guare presents a rather interesting painting by the influential art theorist and painter, Kandinsky. In his play, Guare presents different characters and themes where the Kandinsky is represented. The Kandinsky has two sides that contradict each other, chaos and calmness. Similarly, the characters in the play show two sides, making them and their actions seem complicated. Additionally, the role of imagination is intensely exposed through many of the characters, especially Paul. Kandinsky presents his ideas in a rather creative way, and it is strange to think that a painting can relate to characters who can very well be real people. In his play, Guare illustrates

In the play, one side of the painting by Kandinsky is described as “geometric and somber,” while the other side is “wild and vivid” (1). These two sides can represent many things, such as reality and imagination. The two sides in the painting contrast with each other and are painted on two different sides of the canvas. However, one cannot exist without the other, and they rely on each other to bring out the depth and emphasis of each object in the painting. The geometric side represents reality, where everything is orderly and in its place. However, the fact that it is reality makes it “somber” in the Kandinsky painting (1). Many times, people are not ready to go back to reality where everything must be planned and dull. This

The Kittredges are extremely interesting people, if they are entirely analyzed from every point of view. Paul believes that all of the people in Manhattan are the same, so he just picks a few random names from Trent’s address book, and starts his adventure. In Paul’s point of view, the Kittredges are the same as any stereotypical rich couple, with kids in Harvard, and the opportunity to entertain guests from Africa. He brings a hustler in, trying to match the relationship that the couple has. When he is confronted about his decision to spend the money that Flan gives him, he replies “you [Flan and Ouisa have] so much. I [Paul] couldn’t be alone” (50). Paul admits to having been lonely, and he thinks that after the lights go out Flan and Ouisa have wild sex. This is why he tries to copy the couple, and he fails. However, Flan and Ouisa are not exactly the model couple, or parents. Instead, Ouisa calls Flan “my [her] partner” (45). The two people are extremely different from each other in their ideas and perspectives on the world. In instance, Ouisa is terrified that she is connected to anyone on the planet by a connection of six people. The same can be said for Flan, but for different reasons. They are both scared that in order to achieve their goals, and find a certain person, they must find “the right six people” (81).